NEW DELHI, Sept 7: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday chaired a meeting of the Consultative Committee on India’s relations with West Asia, briefing MPs on the government’s efforts to safeguard the country’s energy interests, strengthen connectivity and maintain economic engagement amid the ongoing conflict in the region.
Jaishankar highlighted India’s longstanding partnerships with countries across the Gulf and the wider West Asia and North Africa (WANA) region. He pointed to cooperation in trade, investment, energy, maritime affairs and people-to-people ties as key components of New Delhi’s engagement.
He also underlined the government’s efforts to ensure the welfare and safety of around 10 million Indians living in the Gulf, while maintaining energy and fertiliser security and keeping trade and connectivity channels open despite the conflict.
“Highlighted India’s close ties with the Gulf and WANA region, including our longstanding partnerships and cooperation in trade, investments, energy, maritime and people to people domains,” Jaishankar said in a post on X, sharing photographs from the meeting.
According to sources, several MPs raised concerns over the impact of the West Asia conflict on India’s energy requirements. Jaishankar told the meeting that India was diversifying its energy supply chains to reduce vulnerabilities arising from the ongoing crisis.
The minister also discussed India’s relations with both the United States and Iran. Sources said he emphasised that New Delhi maintains ties with both countries and is using its diplomatic engagement to protect India’s strategic and economic interests.
The meeting also covered the implications of US sanctions related to purchases of energy and other products from Iran. Jaishankar said India had strengthened its political engagement with countries in the region while continuing to safeguard its economic requirements.
The safety of Indians residing in the Gulf emerged as another important issue. The minister briefed MPs on measures being taken to protect the interests of nearly one crore Indian nationals in the region, particularly amid heightened security concerns.
MPs Raise Makkah Pact Concerns
Some MPs also sought clarification on India’s position on the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye on August 7.
Under the agreement, an armed attack against any one of the three countries is to be treated as an attack against all members. The pact was signed amid growing security concerns and escalating tensions across West Asia.
The Consultative Committee meeting comes at a time when the regional conflict continues to pose challenges for global energy markets and supply chains. For India, maintaining stable energy supplies, protecting its large overseas community and preserving trade and connectivity remain key priorities.